In the peri-urban communities of Shai Osudoku, Greater Accra, children like Esi and Kwame sit in classrooms that lack a single shelf of books. Their schools may have enthusiastic teachers and packed classrooms, but they often have few or no age-appropriate reading materials. Most homes in the area have just one or two reading items, and many children complete primary school without learning to read fluently. Foundation for Educational Equity & Development (FEED) Ghana aims to improve learning outcomes by providing appropriate reading materials and reading corners in these schools.

By funding this project, we're not just stocking shelves, but we're investing in the reading journeys of more than 1,300 children and giving teachers the tools to nurture a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

Why this matters

In Ghana , over 95% of children enrol in primary school, yet foundational literacy remains alarmingly low. Less than 2% of Grade 2 pupils in public schools read with fluency and comprehension, and many cannot read a single familiar word by the end of primary two. According to the 2021 Ghana Statistical Service census, just 69.8% of people over age six are literate, leaving more than 7.9 million people unable to read or write.

These challenges are worse in rural and peri-urban schools, where access to books and learning resources is limited, and parents often can’t supplement learning at home. Without consistent reading practice or engaging materials, children fall behind quickly. Teachers are often under-resourced and overwhelmed, making it hard to close the gap.

This project responds directly to these challenges by embedding small, functional libraries into classrooms, bringing books into children's daily learning environment and empowering teachers to integrate reading into everyday lessons.

What the project will change

The Library Corners project will equip more than 1,300 children with daily access to age-appropriate books, phonics tools, and structured reading time.

Children will participate in Reading Hours, storytelling sessions, and Peer Reading Circles that build their fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary in a fun, supportive way. Each corner will be colourful and welcoming, complete with hand-painted murals by the children themselves, turning the space into something they own and love.

Teachers will receive hands-on training in child-centred reading methods and library management. With the right tools and support, they’ll be able to track reading progress and guide children through their learning journey.

Over time, children who once struggled to read even a word will begin reading full sentences, then stories. As they gain confidence, they’ll engage more actively in class, perform better in other subjects, and discover the joy that comes with understanding the written word.